VITA Season Wrap Up

From January through April, our 26 dedicated IRS Certified VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Volunteers have spent their time helping this community save money.

• Over 1,524 clients served
• $609,600 saved by residents that used United Way's FREE Tax Services
• Accumulative refunded amount back into our community member's pockets: $1,361,050!

#Ballin4Books

United Way’s 8th Annual “KICK” Start to Early Literacy Kickball 

Tournament was one for the BOOKS

• The Championship Game came down to Downtown Athletics “Tangerine Dream Team” - Celebrity Coach Christa Tanner VS  Withlacoochee River Electric Co-Op Inc “WRECing Crew”” - Celebrity Coach Doug Chorvat Jr.
• A BIG congratulations to the “Tangerine Dream Team” for taking home the Ultimate Traveling Trophy!

United Way Fire Hydrant

In March, our United Way Student Board members were able to go out into the community and be apart of Hernando County Art Council's "Art on Fire" project. This initiative allows artists to be able to paint and beautify their very own fire hydrant out in Downtown Brooksville. We were able to get approved for a fire hydrant and our Student Board got to work creating a design of their own to represent United Way of Hernando. If you ever find yourself at the intersection of Broad Street and Chatman, stop by and take a look at our beautiful work of "Art on Fire" created by the United Way Student Board.

Change For Good

How did you spend your Valentines Day? United Way of Hernando spent theirs "Getting Engaged" with HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital's caregivers! Everyone came down to the cafeteria for an ice cream social and enjoyed some delicious soft serve while learning more about United Way. This fun filled day included a photo booth station and a 10 ft. kayak raffle for caregivers that got "engaged" in our Change for Good Dollar Campaign! We are so thankful for all the amazing healthcare workers who make a difference by providing compassionate care throughout our community.

Preferred Partner Spotlight

United Way was invited over for a pizza party at Raymond James' office to further discuss some of United Way's initiatives. This Raymond James location is an active key player in United Way's Annual Workplace Giving Campaign with their 100% participation rate. Thank you Raymond James for continuing to be involved community partners!

Kindness Multiplied

United Way of Hernando County and Partner Agencies had such an amazing time celebrating Publix Appreciation Week this year. From Monday, March 20th through Friday, March 24th we were able to go out and express our gratitude to all 7 Hernando County stores. For the past 3 years, Publix has maintained their title as the #1 Global Corporate Leaders. Publix associates are key players throughout the community and are constantly giving back, whether that is through volunteering their time or through their pledge donations. Thank you Publix for #LIVINGUNITED with us.

2-1-1 Senior Wellness Directory

Spring 2023

211-Hernando's goal is to have a community that is connected and informed regarding health, mental health, crisis response and human service information.

This is a wonderful resource to place in the hands of our residents. Those who do not have access to the internet or simply aren't aware of the available options here in Hernando will really benefit from these booklets.

Hard copies are available.

Dementia Care Support Group

Location: Oak Hill Senior Living Community - 7411 Cortez Oaks Blvd. Brooksville, FL 34613

When: First Monday of each Month @ 1pm

This support group is FREE and open to all caregivers caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia. This health initiative is in collaboration with the Dementia Spotlight Foundation.

For more information & support, contact Gary Joseph LeBlanc at Gary@DementiaSpotlightFoundation.org

SingleCare

Did you know

United Way of Hernando County, Inc. and the SingleCare, formerly familywize, Community Service Partnership have teamed up to make prescriptions more affordable for those without insurance or even those who have insurance that doesn't cover their medicine. The average savings are almost 40% and can be as high as 75%.

Stress Management

Stress is a fact of life. Overbooked schedules, demanding work hours, long commutes, an outburst by an angry boss, a stand-off with a defiant teenage child and the bad news that makes headlines every day are all contributors to the increased stress that many feel. Now more than ever it is important to recognize signs of stress in ourselves, our families and our communities and take the necessary steps to reduce stress and intervene if needed.